Below you will find detailed questions and answers separated by component category. There is a lot of information here, so if you can't find what you need, try hitting Ctrl and F to search the text on the page. To go to our general questions, click here.

I have (the old style) 166Mhz motherboard in my D8B CPU enclosure. I think the motherboard has failed. Can I replace it with an off-the-shelf compatible mother board?

No. You can however, contact your local authorized Mackie digital service center for repair (or if you’re computer savvy, order one yourself directly from our Parts department. The replacement board is 300 Mhz, not available anywhere but Mackie.

Generally, you should have no less than 32MB of RAM installed. If you are running v3.0 and have only one FX card (UFX/MFX) installed - you can have as little as 16MB. If you are running v5.1 - you should have 64 to 128MB of RAM installed regardless of how many FX cards you have installed. If your D8B is left on for long periods of time, you may want to have at least 256MB of RAM installed.

TSR - Terminate Stay Resident memory effects computers when left on for long periods, i.e. more than a few days. If you are running with 16-32MB - a simple reboot will flush the memory.

Note: Recent computer designs do not really have this problem because they ship with ludicrous amounts of RAM. Here at Mackie, we enjoy using the word "ludicrous" whenever possible.

How can I tell what motherboard I have installed in my D8B CPU enclosure?

When you power-up, look at the computer screen. For a moment, the computer will display the processor size. You can also hold down the Delete key (on the D8B keyboard) and view the motherboard BIOS. Be sure not to make changes to the BIOS and do not save changes when exiting the D8B BIOS.

It is a relatively common type of battery - 3V lithium (Duracell #DL2032 or equivalent).

Be sure to check the battery on your CPU mother board. It is responsible for storing the custom configuration settings in the CPU BIOS. If it is low on power, it needs to be replaced. Battery life expectancy is 3 to 5 years. If the unit has been stored (or turned off) for an extended period - battery life is shortened dramatically.

After holding the Delete key at boot you will enter the Motherboard BIOS. Here you will see an option called Load Default BIOS Settings. If you are unable to get into the BIOS (say you set a password and forgot it) you can pull the Clear CMOS jumper off the motherboard - found between the BIOS EPROM and the battery. Move the jumper over one position. Pull the power cable and let the computer sit for 5 or 10 minutes, then move the jumper back to its original position. BIOS should now be reset. Remember, you still need to modify the BIOS for the D8B.

Note: You can also remove the battery from the mother board. In some cases, you must let the motherboard sit for more than a few hours so the EPROM can be drained. Once drained, the BIOS will revert back to its default setting.

Also, if the battery it is low on power, it needs to be replaced. Battery life expectancy is 3 to 5 years. If the unit has been stored (or turned off) for an extended period - battery life is shortened dramatically.

Note: BIOS Overview - In CMOS BIOS, run Auto Detect. Once drive is detected, press Y (yes) - and press N (no) for the other scanned devices i.e., Primary Slave, Secondary Master/Slave. In Standard BIOS - set drive for Auto and Normal (not to LBA). Then select Exit and Save, and say 'yes' to the Save. Then Reboot.

I would like to replace my hard drive in my D8B. What drives are recommended?

Any 5400 or 7200 RPM ATA compatible hard drive will work in the D8B. Because the D8B does not store any audio on the hard drive, it can be as little as 1GB. Drives cannot exceed 32GB.

Note: Many drives larger than 32GB can be jumpered (jumper shunted) to 32GB. Look at the face of the drive - there you will see a jumper setting for this option if available. This is not always recommended because some drives behave badly when the 32GB jumpered limit has been exceeded.

How do I reformat my drive for the D8B? Can I format the drive from the D8B itself?

You cannot format your drive from the D8B without using the first disk (disk #1) from the d8B software install disk set. Before you can boot and format from disk#1, you must first alter the disk from your PC. From your PC - Double-click on the Tools.ini file on the D8B floppy disk#1 and it will open a standard text editor. Change the line - Format:off to Format:on at the bottom of the existing text and save the file (do not change the file name). If you do not see the Format line, just add it to the bottom of the list. Boot with this disk and you will be presented with the option - Skip or Format.

Note: You must use D8B 3.0 build 206 or higher to format from floppy.

Note: Formatting erases all data from the D8B hard disk!! Be sure to backup important data from your D8B hard drive. See "Protecting Data Before Backup"

Just about any SVGA monitor will work. Ideally, you would use a multisync, 72Hz scan rate, 17 inch (or larger) video monitor. If you are connecting a television monitor with a computer video connection - be sure it too is compatible i.e. multiscan, 72Hz.

Note: It should be mentioned that some incompatible video monitors have been known to cause boot failure.

I have my MIDI breakout cable connected to the nine pin on the CPU. I am still not getting any MIDI In or Out. Why?

Be sure you are connected to the right nine pin connection on the CPU enclosure. Some D8B units shipped with the Serial9 MIDI/Machine Control Card. This card has two nine pin connections. - See Serial9 Card

Basically, your motherboard is confused. Pull both MIDI and Ethernet cards from the D8B and boot-up. Then power-down. Add MIDI card and boot the D8B - check MIDI. Power-down. Add the Ethernet card and boot-up - check MIDI and Ethernet functions. Also try moving the cards to other available slots if necessary - rinse and repeat.

My console is behaving in one or more ways: v-pots are rotating randomly, EQ values are scrolling randomly, console is producing low frequency pulse, console is not passing audio and/or on-screen faders are "twitching". Say what?!!

Your D8B is very likely experiencing a Bypass Capacitor Failure. Both the D8B (console and power supply) and the AIO-8 card have caps. If there are any AIO-8 cards install, remove them and reboot the D8B. If the problem goes away - add one card at a time until the bad card is located. If you do not have any AIO-8 cards installed.... - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

I am experiencing random digital pops and clicks on tape input channels. Or - full scale, sustained digital noise on a pair of channels (same pair). Or - full-scale, sustained digital noise on random sets of inputs on boot-up. Or - full-scale digital noise generated from the aux sends. Or - (most depressing) smoke from the rear panel or meter bridge area of the console. What could be the problem?

Chances are - your consoles internal DSP card is failing. It is important to first determine that an external device is not generating the digital noise. Disconnect all external devices from the Console. If problem persists... - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

I sometimes hear a very low level crackling noise (sounds similar to dithering) around signals that are fading into or out of the consoles noise floor. What could be causing this?

You are probably hearing the D8Bs noise shaping filter. This fixed-level filter is on each channel and designed to cut console noise and render channels completely silent when no signal is present. When the filter threshold is triggered and the filter opens, the consoles noise floor becomes present for that channel. As the level of this noise is extremely low, the vast majority of audio material will be high above the noise floor so the noise floor will not be audible. When there is a very dynamic signal present and the output signal of the console is amplified with a large amount of gain, the noise can occasionally become audible.

This noise shaping filter is a standard feature of the console. It is designed to give the console extremely quiet performance and is very useful when recording high amplitude, dynamic signals. Using proper gain structure to achieve maximum gain from the mic pre into the A/D converter can minimize the effects of the noise shaping filter.

V3.0 (or higher) offers an option to turn the algorithm on and off.

Hardware::Console/Power Supply

If I take my D8B overseas (from the US), can I simply switch the CPU power supply from 110 to 240 volts? And, is the D8B auto power sensing?

No - to both questions. In addition to the CPU power supply (mother board) there are other power supply related components (i.e. fuses) inside the D8B CPU enclosure that would need upgrading.

Note: If you are planning to bring your D8B back to the US, you might consider a step-down power supply. Be sure it is of high quality and can handle the power requirements of the D8B. Some step-down power supplies have been know to be noisy and sometimes fluctuate in power. Be sure to test vigorously. Also, insert a power conditioner between the D8B PS and the step-down unit. (Mackie will not be held responsible for possible damage caused when using the above suggestions.)

If I format my D8B hard drive and reinstall the D8B software or upgrade to v5.0 - do I have to re-authorize my effects?

Yes. If you are upgrading to v5.0 - you will need new effects authorization codes. In addition, you will need to install Effects Plug-ins Service Pack 3 (SP3) for v5.0. With your effects box IDs and your D8B ESN (electronic serial number - found in the licensing window on your D8B), go to the D8B Effects Registration page on-line.

If I sell my D8B, can I install the licensed effects and OS on another D8B?

No. The effects
and OS codes are permanently assigned to the consoles ESN (electronic serial number). The effects cards can be installed in a different console of course.

Note: If you connect your console to a different D8B CPU - the effects codes will follow the console. If you connect your consoles CPU to a different console, your effects
and v5.0 OS will no longer be available as they are affiliated with the previous console, not the D8B software running on the CPU.

Note: TC Level II and Mono Delay are bundled with the UFX card - they are available whenever the UFX card is present. Go to Mackie Plug-in Authorization Page for free authorization.

One of my cards is not being recognized by the console. What could be the problem?

That card might need to be reseated. When the D8B is turned off - pull the suspect card. Boot the D8B and then shut it down. Insert the card and reboot the D8B. If it is still not recognized - move one of the other cards to that location to see if that card is recognized. If a different card is not recognized by this slot location, your D8B needs servicing. If different card is recognized, the original card has a problem. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

After installing Service Pack 2 Effects Pack, ILV VocalStudio will not authorize.

This three (3) disk installer set (Service Pack 2 Effects Pack) installs the most current versions of all UFX and MFX plug-ins for the D8B. Plug-ins operate in a time-limited demo mode unless authorized. Two (2) MFX cards are required for the IVL VocalStudio 3.0 authorization.

One of my cards is not being recognized by the console. What could be the problem?

That card might need to be reseated. When the D8B is turned off - pull the suspect card. Boot the D8B and then shut it down. Insert the card and reboot the D8B. If it is still not recognized - move one of the other cards to that location to see if that card is recognized. If a different card is not recognized by this slot location, your D8B needs servicing. If different card is recognized, the original card has a problem. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

One of my cards is not being recognized by the console. What could be the problem?

That card might need to be reseated. When the D8B is turned off - pull the suspect card. Boot the D8B and then shut it down. Insert the card and reboot the D8B. If it is still not recognized - move one of the other cards to that location to see if that card is recognized. If a different card is not recognized by this slot location, your D8B needs servicing. If different card is recognized, the original card has a problem. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

Hardware::I/O Cards::Apogee Clock Card

I am installing an Apogee Clock card into the D8B. Can I leave the Internal Clock card in the D8B while running the Apogee?

No. You must remove the Internal Clock card before installing the Apogee.

I am connecting a Protools system to my D8B. Do I connect all Protools devices to the D8B word clock?

No. The Protools system only require one word clock connection. Do not connect word clock cables to Protools super clock BNC connectors. This is a high resolution clock not compatible with the D8B word clock. Ancillary Protools devices connect to these super clock connections.

When I boot the D8B, I sometimes get a word clock error. What could be causing this?

If you have a word clock cable connected to the Input of the Apogee Word Clock card, be sure to disable any active word clock leading to the Apogees input until after the D8B has fully booted.

Hardware::I/O Cards::DIO-8 Card (combination ADAT/TDIF)

I am connecting TDIF between my D8B and a Radar Digital Recorder. I am using the correct cables and have made the right connections. Why is it not passing audio?

Always use version 2.1 EPROM (see the socketed chip on the DIO-8 card) with 24 bit TDIF devices (DA78HR's, DA98HR's, RADAR & MOTU2408). All versions of DIO-8 will function with older Tascam DTRS recorders (DA38's, DA88's & DA98's). The TDIF interfaces on these devices require the clock signal from the DIO-8 card's BNC sync output, with the exception of the MX2424 - which can also be clocked from the Word Clock output of the Apogee Clock I/O card.

Version 1 (M-108C, V 1.01) –16-bit only, SYNC output is in phase with the word clock (incorrect according to the TASCAM standard).

When I send a TDIF signal out to my digital recorder - then send that signal to a DAW, the signal is inverted. Why?

The DIO-8 inverts polarity on both the ADAT Optical and TDIF connectors on both the input and output. So there are two inversions when recording and mixing on the D8B. When using DIO-8s, audio is inverted once as at leaves the D8B to go to your recorder, and it is inverted again when it returns. Therefore you should not need to do anything on the D8B to account for this. Your audio will be recorded with a polarity inversion - unless you have a 'Black Face' ADAT which also inverts on the in and out or DIO-8s in both your D8B and HDR/MDR) so you may need to account for this if you are mixing elsewhere or mixing from audio that was not recorded with the inversion.

Note: A TDIF cable is designed to swap its signals from one end to the other. It's a crossover configuration.

One of my cards is not being recognized by the console. What could be the problem?

That card might need to be reseated. When the D8B is turned off - pull the suspect card. Boot the D8B and then shut it down. Insert the card and reboot the D8B. If it is still not recognized - move one of the other cards to that location to see if that card is recognized. If a different card is not recognized by this slot location, your D8B needs servicing. If different card is recognized, the original card has a problem. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

One of my cards is not being recognized by the console. What could be the problem?

That card might need to be reseated. When the D8B is turned off - pull the suspect card. Boot the D8B and then shut it down. Insert the card and reboot the D8B. If it is still not recognized - move one of the other cards to that location to see if that card is recognized. If a different card is not recognized by this slot location, your D8B needs servicing. If different card is recognized, the original card has a problem. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

How do I connect and transfer from my ADAT machine to my D8B using OPT-8?

When transferring a multitrack recording between an Alesis ADAT recorder and the D8B, the D8B (since it's unable to extract word clock from the ADAT input) must serve as the word clock master for the ADAT. With the OPT-8 output connected to the ADAT Input, setting the ADATs Clock Source to Digital Input will synchronize the two word clocks. Be sure the ADAT and D8B are set for the same sample rate.

It is not likely that all three cards are defective. It could be that you are running D8B version 2.0 (that's an old version my friend) and using newer OPT-8 cards. You must be running 2.03 or higher when using newer OPT-8 cards. If not - you might have a problem with the D8B card cage. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

No. Like the DIO-8 card, the OPT-8 cannot derive word clock from the light pipe input. However, the OPT-8 output provides timing information from which word clock can be derived by an input device. The preferred method with respect to sync - is to use an external word clock connection or better yet - use the Apogee clock card.

ADAT Lightpipe is the transfer of digital audio data by optical transmission. The protocol is capable of transferring multi-channel digital audio at 24-bit resolution at sample rates of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz. The signal transmission is self-clocking but the protocol is not the same as word clock.

Dither is a low-level noise that combines with your pristine audio (at low levels) to help keep enough digital bits active to replicate an accurate waveform throughout the conversion process from digital to analog and back to digital. - See UV22

Hardware::I/O Cards::UV 22

What is UV22?

UV22 is a very good sounding type of dither in the D8B that allows for more accurate reconstruction of low-level audio. The frequency of the UV22 is lower than the conventional process and therefore provides a more transparent reconstruction.

My console is behaving in one or more ways: v-pots are rotating randomly, EQ values are scrolling randomly, console is producing low frequency pulse, console is not passing audio and/or on-screen faders are "twitching". Say what?!!

Your D8B is very likely experiencing a Bypass Capacitor failure. Both the D8B (console and power supply) and the AIO-8 card have caps. If there are any AIO-8 cards install, remove them and reboot the D8B. If the problem goes away - add one card at a time until the bad card is located. If you do not have any AIO-8 cards installed.... - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

Yes. However, the AIO-8 card is a 48kHz device the can be over-clocked - and because their input and output filters are fixed, any benefit one might gain by recording in 96kHz is lost. In addition, an over-clocked sample rate is more susceptible to errors. - See HDR 24/96

One of my cards is not being recognized by the console. What could be the problem?

That card might need to be reseated. When the D8B is turned off - pull the suspect card. Boot the D8B and then shut it down. Insert the card and reboot the D8B. If it is still not recognized - move one of the other cards to that location to see if that card is recognized. If a different card is not recognized by this slot location, your D8B needs servicing. If different card is recognized, the original card has a problem. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator.

I can get my external device (using AES) to work only when I choose 'Consumer Channel Status' in the card options window. Am I compromising with respect to quality?

No. The audio data is the same for either format. The Status Bit setting makes use of non-audio data bits in the digital audio frame. Some devices (DAT or CD players) are particular about this. If your unit refuses to record the output of the PDI-8, try changing this setting. Your source may also be Copy Prohibited.

I have some early generation digital material that originated from DAT. When I bring this material thru the PDI-8 card, it sound unusually bright. Is there something wrong with my card?

No. Early digital material derived from DAT (for example) may have the Emphasis flag enabled when the material was recorded. When this material is passed thru the PDI-8 card, it will not be de-emphasized - thus, sounding too bright. No real work-around other than making an analog transfer first.

One of my cards is not being recognized by the console. What could be the problem?

That card might need to be reseated. When the D8B is turned off - pull the suspect card. Boot the D8B and then shut it down. Insert the card and reboot the D8B. If it is still not recognized - move one of the other cards to that location to see if that card is recognized. If a different card is not recognized by this slot location, your D8B needs servicing. If different card is recognized, the original card has a problem. - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

Can I use any of the digital I/O cards (available for the D8B) in the Alt slot?

Yes. In addition, this slot can output any combination of auxiliary sends 1-8, sub busses 1-8, or the master L-R mix bus. Inputs to this slot will appear on RET 1-8 channels on the Effects fader bank, which are without the standard channel dynamics found on channels 1-48. This slot is the recommended I/O platform for bussing signals between two (or more) cascaded D8B's. Typical uses of this slot would be for digital auxiliary sends and returns, sending a surround mix to a multi-track recorder, bussing pairs of stereo sends to different devices, or receiving auxiliaries or busses from a slave D8B.

It is best to connect SPDIF in both directions even if you only plan to playback from the device. Today, many DAT or CDRs are capable of syncing to word clock appearing at their inputs (even when playing back to the D8B). Synching to the D8Bs internal word clock or your studios master clock is desirable.

Note: Stand-alone Red Book (standard audio) CDR burners must be presented with a 44.1 - 16bit audio stream. The D8B must be configured accordingly.

My D8B has a problem with certain SPDIF signals/cables with respect to impedance matching when patching to the Main Dig I/O card. How come?

If you are sure this is an impedance matching issue and if you are capable of basic electronic repair - this can be resolved by removing the AES/EBU - SPDIF card from the D8B. Then remove (desolder or wire cutters) the R15 surface mount resistor, which can be found next to the SPDIF phono socket on the PCB. This action should only be performed by a qualified engineer/ maintenance tech. The PCB board can be easily damaged during this procedure. Some older Main Dig I/O cards have a normal resistor soldered across the SPDIF input socket legs on the underside of the PCB - also can be removed by a soldering gun or wire cutters.

I have a CD with coaxial outputs and I am connecting it to the D8B via SPDIF. It does not seem to work correctly. Why?

Many CD players cannot synch to external word clock and some DAT machines only synch to clock when in Record mode. Keep coaxial cable lengths short and use high quality cables. Unfortunately, there is little that can be done if problems continue.

I am connecting a DAT machine to my D8B. It's not working very well - hearing clicks etc... What could be the problem?

If you are running an unusual sample rate - you might have to change the sample rate on the D8B to match. Older machines might have too much clock jitter and the D8B might not be able to resolve all of the errors.

When transferring a multitrack recording between an Alesis ADAT recorder and the D8B, the D8B (since it's unable to extract word clock from the ADAT input) must serve as the word clock master for the ADAT. With the OPT-8 Output connected to the ADAT Input, setting the ADATs Clock Source to Digital Input will synchronize the two word clocks. Be sure the ADAT and D8B are set for the same sample rate.

Sometimes faders will become stuck at the top of their travel when they are moved there manually or they may also become erratic and not follow the software fader properly. Why?

Chances are - your faders need to be calibrated. Open the Setup window in the D8B software and click on the General icon in the upper left. Click on Fader Calibrate.

Note: Sometimes it is necessary to run Fader Calibration as many as three or four times before faders are properly calibrated.

Also, it is best to always calibrate a newly installed desk and then again at least once a week depending on how much use the console receives. If fader calibration does not correct the problem... - See Mackie Authorized Service Center Locator

If my faders get dirty, how can I clean them?

Blow 'clean' compressed air into them. Do not spray general lubricant into you faders.

Software::Version Specific

Software::Version Specific::V3.0

Software::Version Specific::V5.0 (.1)

If I sell my D8B, can I install the licensed effects and OS on another D8B?

The tape must have SMPTE time code recorded on its outer track. You would then send that timecode to a converter (Apogees' Big Ben) > then send MTC (MIDI Time Code) to the D8B - that same converter should also derive a Word clock from SMPTE that would also be sent to the D8B. This converter must be able to resolve house sample rate (clock) to timecode, i.e. 'slew sample rate to timecode'. This can be very useful because the tape does not play at an exact speed, and over time - will drift when compared to a master sample clock that is not resolving to timecode.

You can also send MMC (MIDI Machine Control) to the tape machine (if compatible) from the D8B - for D8B transport control.

If you are using a HDR 24/96 with the D8B - set the HDR to 'Chase to TC' and send timecode from tape (or TC converter) to the HDR. The HDR also needs to be set to Generate MTC, which is then sent to the D8B.

The master synch device should be able to reshape or regenerate timecode as well, and send master word clock to the D8B and all other devices.

Got all that?

Also, look for the rare Spectral Inc. SynClockTM which resolves sample rate and word clock from timecode (even VITC - vertical interval timecode from video) while simultaneously generating MTC and SMPTE (and if it is receiving SMPTE, it will regenerate or reshape timecode). This unit was discontinued a few years ago after Spectral was bought by Euphonix.

You need to have the Mackie Apogee Synch card installed in your D8B. Be sure your D8B software Apogee Clock is set to Word Clock. When successfully synched - it should read 'Locked'.

Software::MIDI Machine Control (MMC)

How do I send Machine Control from the D8B to another device such as the HDR?

The D8B is always sending MMC out its MIDI port. Simply connect the MIDI out to the MIDI in of the HDR (the HDR is always ready to receive MIDI Machine Control).

Note: The D8B requires MTC (MIDI Timecode) to operate its on-board mix automation. Be sure the device receiving MMC is also generating MTC (or SMPTE - that would then need to be converted to MTC). If you are sending MMC to multiple devices, only one of those devices should send MTC to the D8B. These additional devices should also receive MTC and (depending on the device) also be locked to the master word clock, usually the D8B - if you have the Apogee Clock card installed.

Be sure the DA-88 has a SY-88 card installed. Connect MIDI cable from the D8B MIDI out to the MIDI In on the SY-88. Set the DA-88 serial sync options accordingly. Now, send MTC from the DA-88 to the MIDI In on the D8B.

Be sure the DA-38 has a MMC-38 interface connected. Connect MIDI cable from the D8B MIDI out to the MIDI In on the MMC-38. Set the DA-38 serial sync options accordingly. Now, send MTC from the DA-38 to the MIDI In on the D8B.

For more info see D8B manual (pages 130-131).

Software::FTP (file transfer protocol)

How do I connect my D8B to my computer or computer network?

That depends on quite a few things. If your computer is currently on a network, check its network settings under Network Properties. When setting-up the D8B, simply copy the Subnet Mask and Default Gateway settings from your computer to the D8B ftp properties. Choose an IP number close to what is assigned to your computer i.e., computer = 10.1.1.12, then the D8B could be 10.1.1.13. If you have a small network and your router is dynamically allocating addresses - check to see what range is being used by turning all computers on and checking their addresses. Don't use an IP address that is used by other computers. Then configure your FTP Program to look for the D8B IP address. If your computer is on a large network - talk to your network administrator before assigning IP numbers.

Networking computers is relatively basic, but it can become very complex depending on your network environment. Your best bet is to locate your D8B manual which goes into some detail with respect to FTP. Even better - download the HDR Reference Manual - in the back you will find excellent information on networking configurations.

Note: If your network (and D8B) is connected to the Internet, be sure your router/modem firewall is activated - otherwise, your D8B CPU will be exposed to the Internet and (possibly) unwanted eyes.

That depends on quite a few things. If your computer is currently on a network, check its network settings under Network Properties. When setting-up the D8B, simply copy the Subnet Masks and Gateway settings from your computer to the D8B ftp properties. Choose an IP number close to what is assigned to your computer i.e., computer = 10.1.1.12, then the D8B could be 10.1.1.13. If you have a small network and your router is dynamically allocating addresses - check to see what range is being used by turning all computers on and checking their addresses. Don't use an IP address that is used by other computers. Then configure your FTP Program to look for the D8B IP address. If your computer is on a large network - talk to your network administrator before assigning IP numbers.

Networking computers is relatively basic, but it can become very complex depending on your network environment. Your best bet is to locate your D8B manual which goes into some detail with respect to FTP. Even better - download the HDR Reference Manual - in the back you will find excellent information on networking configurations.

Note: If your network (and D8B) is connected to the Internet, be sure your router/modem firewall is activated - otherwise, your D8B CPU will be exposed to the Internet and (possibly) unwanted eyes.

I have my computer connected directly to the D8B. I have all of the settings correct and have ftp running on the D8B. Why am I still unable to see the D8B from my computer?

Assuming you have your software configured correctly, you might have the wrong CAT-5 type cable connected. When connecting two computers together without a hub or hub/router, you must use a crossover cable. These cables are usually yellow in color and are always marked 'crossover'.

No.
If you are connecting your D8B to a network, and if the network is connected to the Internet - be sure to have your routers (DSL/Cable) firewall enabled. This is especially important when FTP Mode is active on the D8B.

These numbers represent the speed of the data transfer. The recorder’s Ethernet card is hardware configured to operate at 100 Mbps. If you wish to connect an HDR 24/96 to an existing Ethernet network that is configured for 10 Mbps transmission rates, it is necessary to use a 10/100 auto-sensing hub (dual speed) and/or a rate converter. Most hubs today are auto-sensing and will allow you to connect your recorder to a computer with a 10BaseT network interface.

I have been recently (and not pleasantly) greeted with "System Error 43", "CMOS Display Type Wrong" or "Memory Extraction Error". What does this mean?

You might see these messages for the following reasons: the console and CPU are not communicating properly, the CPU is not responding due to a hardware failure, a failure is occurring during software install.

Also, be sure to check the battery on your CPU mother board. It is responsible for storing the custom configuration settings in the CPU BIOS. If it is low on power, it needs to be replaced. Battery life expectancy is 3 to 5 years. If the unit has been stored (or turned off) for an extended period - battery life is shortened dramatically.